Why big yellow school buses?

Does anyone know why in the US all the school buses are yellow and black, and look like converted trucks? Buses in every other area have moved on to modern style buses, with proper seats and modern safety equipment. Even if the buses are new, they are still designed like they always have been, with the uncomfortable vinyl slab seats and bumpy ride. Why does America continue to use such antiquated buses?

Answers (1)

The standard color for school buses, often called "school bus yellow" was set as a standard when determining bus construction standards. The color was chosen because black lettering on that shade of yellow was easiest to see at dawn or dusk. There have been safety advances through the years with the automatic stop sign and safety arm that keeps children from crossing in front of the bus in the driver's blind spot.

The argument for further upgrades and safety systems comes down to money and whether the benefit of spending school funds in that area is more beneficial than spending it in other areas.